Rainer on Leadership

God has done something remarkable at First Baptist Church in Caldwell, NJ. They have limited space and limited parking. However, through Upward Sports, the church has developed a large outreach ministry within the community. Hundreds of children participate, and the church is reaching people from diverse backgrounds. Sam interviews Pastor Travis Clark to reveal exactly what happened. Resources: The One Year Bible Tyndale House Publishers Upward Sports First Baptist Church (Caldwell, NJ) Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: There is something powerful about walking through the Bible at the same time. When everyone is reading the same Scripture each day, conversations change. Hearts open. People feel connected—not just to God, but to each other. One Year Bibles are designed to guide readers through the entire Bible in 365 days. It is one reading a day, and by the end of the year, you will have gone through the entire Bible together—one body, moving in one direction, through one story. It is more than a reading plan. It is a way to build unity, deepen discipleship, and create shared momentum to know God and each other more. Perfect for small groups, Bible studies, Sunday School classes, and other connection points. Find a One Year Bible for your community at TheOneYearBible.com.     2026 – New Year, Greater Family Impact A new year is the perfect time to dream bigger, reach farther, and make an even greater impact in your community. Upward Sports isn’t just about the game—it’s about bringing the whole family together. As you plan for 2026, imagine creating experiences that connect kids, parents, and grandparents in a fun, welcoming environment. From cheering on the sidelines to hitting the court or field, every sport is an opportunity to build relationships, strengthen community, and share your church’s message of care and connection. Whether it’s basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball, pickleball, or even adult running, Upward Sports equips your church to reach families right in the heart of your neighborhood. All it takes is one passionate leader and a church ready to turn this new year into greater impact. Start today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers The post Small-Church Breakout Growth: The Incredible Story of First Baptist Caldwell, NJ appeared first on Church Answers.

The discussion dives into the deeper reasons behind church transitions, moving beyond mere convenience. Geographic shifts, theological alignment, and family dynamics are unveiled as valid motivations for finding a new congregation. They highlight the importance of not remaining in toxic environments and emphasize that leaving a church can be a faithful decision, not just a casual choice. Life stages and personal growth can also play significant roles in determining where one worships, aiming for a place where spiritual growth flourishes.

Ryan Burge, a political scientist and researcher, delves into the winding journeys many pastors take before entering ministry. Using data from the National Survey of Religious Leaders, he reveals that two-thirds had previous careers and a significant number balance multiple roles, often working over 50 hours weekly. The insights on bi-vocational challenges, financial pressures, and the beauty of their calling highlight the complexities of pastoral life. It's a captivating discussion about commitment, calling, and the diverse paths to church leadership.

One of the more painful aspects of ministry is losing church members. Sometimes these departures are for good reasons, like moving to another town or planting a church. More often than not, pastors struggle with the reasons why people leave. Josh and Sam discuss why pastors experience pain with the loss of members, and they explore some ways to cope with the accompanying sadness. When people leave the church, it feels personal because it often is. Most pastors genuinely love their church members, even the difficult ones. The time invested in people can feel like a waste when they leave for petty reasons. Morale often drops when well-known people exit. Pastors fear others will follow the lead of those who left. Resources: “Leadership in a Chaotic World” by Dr. Andrew Walker, Dr. Justin Irving, and Dr. Jeremy Pierre Doctor of Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Join Platinum for 1-on-1 and group coaching with Sam. Email sam@churchanswers.com FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights Church Answers Central The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: If you’re feeling the weight of leadership in today’s unstable world, you’re not alone. Southern Seminary is offering a free ebook called Leadership in a Chaotic World—written by trusted faculty to equip pastors with biblical clarity, character, and conviction. It’s a short, practical guide from Dr. Andrew Walker, Dr. Justin Irving, and Dr. Jeremy Pierre to help you lead well in the midst of cultural pressure, spiritual fatigue, and ministry complexity. Download it for free. The post The Top Reasons Why It’s Painful for Pastors to Lose Church Members appeared first on Church Answers.

Tim Byer, the pastor of FAITH in Glen Burnie, Maryland, brings a unique IT background that shapes his innovative approach to church outreach. He discusses how his congregation employs VisitorReach to foster connections with first-time guests and local community members. By combining tech with traditional ministry, they manage to welcome new families and build lasting relationships. Tim also emphasizes the importance of gentle change in established churches while keeping the gospel at the core of their efforts.

Michael Kelley, a leader with the Rooted Network, shares invaluable insights for small group leaders. He emphasizes the importance of guiding discussions rather than lecturing to foster engagement. Kelley advocates for sharing responsibilities among group members to promote ownership and growth. He also highlights the power of leveraging the before-and-after moments of meetings for deeper relational connections. These practices can transform any group into a vibrant community of spiritual growth.

Mike Stadelmayer, a generosity and church funding specialist from Church Growth Services, joins to unveil the simplicity behind fostering generosity in churches. He emphasizes the power of communication—expressing gratitude to givers and sharing impactful ministry stories to inspire ongoing support. Personal testimonies of life change are highlighted as vital tools for connecting generosity with spiritual outcomes. Stadelmayer also advocates for grounding messages in Scripture, reminding listeners that a culture of generosity can thrive without complexity.

Unchurched individuals aren't angry at churches; they're simply indifferent. This apathy is an opportunity rather than a challenge. Instead of arguing, disrupt indifference with love and presence. Personal invitations remain the key to boosting attendance, with relationships taking priority over programs. Addressing practical needs and loneliness makes the gospel more relevant. Intentional prayer for spiritual openness can prepare the ground for meaningful connections and outreach.

The podcast highlights a striking trend: the median church attendance in America has plummeted from 137 in 2000 to just 60 by 2023. Delving into the implications, the hosts discuss what this means for church leadership and community engagement. They analyze factors contributing to this decline, including attendance drops and fewer megachurches, while also painting a vivid picture of what a typical 60-person church looks like today. Resources for revitalization efforts are shared, along with insights into the future of congregations.

Tim Kuhl, a facility stewardship expert and founder of Smart Church Solutions, sheds light on the pressing issue of deferred maintenance among North American churches. He reveals how ignoring essential repairs can lead to catastrophic costs, with sticker shock that can weigh heavily on congregations. Tim emphasizes that church buildings are vital assets for ministry and offers practical budgeting strategies. He encourages churches to view facilities as tools for evangelism and to foster ongoing generosity to ensure their longevity.